About IHLA

 

Tradition
IHLA is a relevant, member-driven trade association, whose members share a passion for creating the world’s finest hardwood products, and a determination to maintain the sustainable productivity of our nation’s forest resources.

IHLA is a non-profit trade organization comprised of sawmills, wholesale brokers, equipment vendors, secondary manufacturers, loggers, landowners and others who recognize the benefits of working together on issues and projects for the good of the hardwood industry. Today, IHLA has members in 27 states and 3 Canadian provinces.

Unique to IHLA, however, is a rich tradition of volunteerism, one that provides powerful momentum and gets things done. Whether it’s championing a cause at the State Capitol or in Washington, pooling resources to provide value on insurance or joining forces for philanthropic causes, our members take pride in their ability to get results for the good of the entire industry

History
“On February 9, 1899, fewer than a dozen Hoosier hardwood lumbermen met at the Grand Hotel in Indianapolis to contemplate the increasingly complex problems of marketing hardwoods in a national market. Recognizing the need to organize themselves in order to maintain both their influence and their prosperity, these lumbermen founded the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, which became a significant factor in the eventual integration of nationally-accepted marketing rules and practices. Continuing to the present, the IHLA has possessed the foresight to preserve not only its past, but also the history of the hardwood lumber industry.”
                   -Daniel Lee Clark
                    Entrepreneurs in Hardwood

Looking Ahead
Just as those leaders contemplated a national market in 1899, today our members are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities of a global marketplace. From certification programs to export regulations, to preserving your rights to free trade, the IHLA stays on the leading edge of both information and technology. As businesses continue to do more with less, IHLA is more valuable than ever in helping you stay informed, network with peers and customers, and benefit from working together for a common good.

What We Do

Representation
IHLA represents the interests of hardwood manufacturers, forestry, loggers and landowners, both in Indianapolis and in Washington, D.C. In recent years, our state victories have included the passing of “The Right to Practice Forestry Act,” stricter timber theft laws and an Executive Order promoting the use of Indiana Hardwoods in public projects, rather than anti-hardwood LEED mandates. In Washington, the Hardwood Federation has been very successful in trade and sustainability issues, such as the Lacey Act amendment.

Communications
IHLA provides up-to-the minute news and information on www.ihla.org, and also through broadcast fax and email blasts. The Hard News newsletter provides more in-depth information and promotes association events. We also keep you abreast of legislative and regulatory changes, saving you time and helping you comply.

Annual Convention
For over 110 years, the IHLA convention has been held for the membership. Today, it has grown into the industry’s largest regional trade show, with hundreds of attendees and unparalleled networking opportunities. Held in late January, it has become the industry’s official kickoff to each new year.

Insurance Savings
Over 70 member companies (and growing) participate in IHLA’s Safety Group program with property/liability carrier Indiana Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company. The program offers dividends in years with low claims, which are typically large enough to equal several years of association dues!

In 2010, the IHLA intends to form its own insurance agency, and provide a high-level of industry-specific expertise while offering reduced agency commissions, passing the savings directly to our members. It will also allow our members to save even more by bundling coverage in one place.

Membership Directory
In both a printed form that is updated annually, and through a searchable, online database, the association links buyers and sellers of lumber, equipment and logs. The easy-to-use directory is just the perfect size for home, office or automobile.

Forestry Advocacy
The Indiana Forest Industries Council, the forestry arm of IHLA, is the industry’s eyes and ears “on the ground.” They make policy recommendations on all issues forestry, from state forest harvesting to invasive species, and provide professional logger training that raises the bar for our industry, and ensures high levels of compliance with Best Management Practices. IFIC is governed by its own Board of Directors and holds its own annual meeting.

Education and Training
Whether it's hands-on specialized training such as lumber grading or timber felling, or high-tech management education delivered via monthly webinars, IHLA can provide the very best in industry training at the absolute lowest cost to your company. Periodic regional meetings and multi-issue “Wood Summits” give us the opportunity to keep you up to speed on any facet of your business.

Technological Advances
IHLA has been a leader in technology and research projects, such as log scanning, hardwood genetics, lean manufacturing and forestry. The association keeps the membership abreast of constant changes, and participates in the development of the technology.

Scholarship
The association provides annual scholarships to qualified students who are pursuing a career in a forestry-related field. The funds can be used to attend a two- or four-year college, lumber grading schools, trade school programs, seminars or workshops.

Camaraderie
Golf outings, the Fun Shoots, field days and other social networking opportunities have long held a high place of importance for IHLA members. The industry has a rich history of friendly competition, but the vertically-integrated makeup of the hardwood products community makes the face-to-face interaction so important. Also, they provide an outlet for entertainment while still rubbing elbows with your peers.

IHLA Officers & Directors/Committee Listings/Staff